30 Stylish Finishing Touches & Decor for your Home Office

The idea of working from home has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with more of us embracing the idea of working remotely or running our own small home business than ever before.

When I started PhotoFairytales I worked from the kitchen table, sitting on a back-breaking dining chair that really wasn't designed to be sat on for 8 hours! Thankfully now I have my own dedicated studio to work from (with a nice comfy swivel chair), and I can't tell you how important it is to create a work space that's not only functional and comfy, but inspirational too. 

The end of the day at PhotoFairytales HQ!

I'll be honest, my studio isn't always this tidy - quite often I'm joined by a clothes airer full of damp clothes! But when you spend a significant portion of your day working from home, it's vital to be able to create a calm space where you can concentrate. At the end of my working day I always try to have a quick clean down of my desk so that the next morning I can sit at my desk ready for a fresh new day.

Make sure your desk and chair are comfortable and at the right height for you. Ensure you have sufficient lighting too - natural daylight is great, but mix in a great desk lamp too (my desk doesn't get natural daylight, so I have to rely on a wall light and a desk lamp). Personalise your space with artwork, touches of decor and gorgeous stationery to encourage a creative, pleasant environment to work in. Just because you have to work every day, doesn't mean it can't be pretty! Plants look lovely anywhere, so find a corner of your desk or a shelf for some greenery - whether it's real or fake. And keep your desk organised and as clutter free as you can with some practical storage.

Whether you're work space is tiny or spacious, dedicated or shared with other needs in the home (kitchen/work table-type scenario), I've curated a round up of gorgeous handmade finishing touches for your home office space that will make your working day so much nicer! Everything shown is handmade and designed by small, independent creative British businesses...

Part 1: Your Desk

Items featured, left to right, top to bottom:

• Pantheon Bookends/Candle Holders, by Goblin Craft London
• Reclaimed Scaffold Board Desk, by Gibbs Design Furniture
• Personalised Mug, by PhotoFairytales
• Hand Crocheted Coaster, by Gracie's Place
• Mousemat, by Studioart22
• Table lamp, by Chiselwick

2) Wall Art & Decor

Items featured, left to right, top to bottom:

• Ministry of General Cleverness personalised print, by PhotoFairytales
• Hello Gorgeous typewriter print, by PhotoFairytales
• Tickety Boo custom made wooden sign, by PhotoFairytales
• Cloud Plaque custom made sign, by PhotoFairytales
• Hot Pink Letterpress print, by Happytomato7
• Linocut library print, by Of Books And Bees

3) Greenery & Plantlife

Items featured, left to right, top to bottom:

• Glasses Plant Pot, by Sculptech3DPrints
• Honeycomb Wall Pot System, by Sculptech3DPrints
• Personalised Planter, by Carve Creations
• Crochet Rose, by Greenhouse Cat Studio
• Motivational Plant Marker, by Jolly Dee
• Handmade Wooden Planter, by Studio Fifty Six

4) Organisation & Storage

Items featured, left to right, top to bottom:

• Wooden Pencil Pot, by Harley and Steffan
• Blush Pink Basket, by Clare Gets Crafty
• Leather Cable Tidy, by ToriLoLeather
• Crochet Lidded Pot, by Janiemade
• Personalised Wooden Doorhanger, by PhotoFairytales

5) Beautiful Stationery

Items featured, left to right, top to bottom:

• Greyhound Notebook, by Michele Willshaw Print
• Pencil Case, by Bees And Blossoms
• Kraft Notecards, by Crafty Ali
• Pink Bow Paperclip, by Crafty Ali
• Houseplant Stickers, by Tishpaints
• Handbound Notebook, by Victoria Snape - Pretty paper goods

Making your home office work space a creative, serene and inspirational area is key to getting through the working day. Make it reflect your style and personality, and create a haven that makes you productive every day. Your home office should be a place that makes you feel comfortable and motivated, so incorporate personalised touches to make your working day a joy.

Sarah :)

Interior Trend: Coastal Grandmother

First we had 'Cottagecore' now we have what's known as the 'Coastal Grandmother' aesthetic - in fact, you may have noticed the #coastalgrandmother hashtag on social media for the last few months, and seen nautical styles creeping into homeware shops on the high street. It’s an aesthetic that’s really caught the imagination - but don’t think it means fuddy-duddy granny-style, this is all about stylish minimal easy-living, timeless cosiness, simplicity and elegance. 

The pandemic spurred a lot of people into dreams of living live life at a slower pace - to have outside space, be away from city life. The wish for space, nature, fresh air, calmness, a bit of peace and tranquillity. Apart from country style living, the other aspect to this lifestyle trend is one for waterfront, beachside or riverside living. Picture the scene: working from home and looking out of your window at the sea or a river. Ending your day with a stroll on the beach or along the riverbank... bliss!

The look can be smart and elegant with a tailored feel, or it can have a cosy and casual, lived-in feel. The beauty of it is that you can make it your own style, there are no rules, and (most importantly!) you don't have to live at the seaside to achieve it. The look is all about relaxation, friends and family, an easy-going life and escapism - the feeling of holidays and days off, even when you're not doing either of those things! Sitting back and relaxing is the new adventure day.

Here's a few lovely things I found on Folksy which all fit the Coastal Grandmother theme perfectly:

Sellers featured (from left to right, top to bottom): Janiemade, Pocketful Creations, Cornish Craftwork, WhiteCottageSoftFurnishings, Adrienne Hughes Art, the crimson rabbit, Velvet Moth Creations, Red Dog Sews, Lizzie Mabley Fabric & Home, and AliDufty 

Along with this new lifestyle wish has been a trend for interior decor and colours to reflect the waterside living. Basically, the look is a more modern and minimalist version of the traditional and oh-so-lovely farmhouse aesthetic. It's grown up but relaxed, with a nod to heritage. It's the opposite to the maximalist style (dark colours, florals and heavy patterns) - instead it's all about simplified colour palettes, and pattern is often limited to basic lines and checks. It's a look that works all year round too, creating a cosy and calming interior for the home.

Neutral coastal colours of creams, whites, sands, soft blues and smart navy are the basic shades to build on, combined with textures such as wicker, rattan and wood. Touches of natural rope, checks and stripes, driftwood. Keep it soft by mixing in a little ochre yellow or coral, or perhaps a pale turquoise or gentle green - or add a smart contrasting deep red or yellow for a real pop of colour against the neutrals. Black also makes a brilliant contrast colour against the neutral beige, sand and white colours.

Bringing a little coastal charm to your home is a classic, timeless look that can be enjoyed in any home, bringing a touch of calm with a straightforward easy palette and simplified lines. A look that makes you feel that you're in your 'happy place'.

Check out the Instagram accounts for more inspiration:

• the.coastal.grandmother_
• theinspiredroom
• northforkdesignco
• coastalinteriors
• casually.coastal
• Tharonandersondesign

Key takeaway for this look: Keeping this look contemporary means nodding towards the style, rather than shouting about it and filling your room with nautical-themed knick-knacks. Instead keep lines and colours simple, pared down and refined, use natural materials, tonal neutral colours, and don't go overboard (pardon the pun) with seaside decor. Let the overall design do the talking, adding little subtle touches that have a more 'found' feel rather than by design.

Take a look on PhotoFairytales for some great inspiration for this timeless interior look:

Oh, and if you want the ultimate inspiration, watch the Nancy Meyers movie "Something's Gotta Give" starring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton - and search the #nancymeyersinteriors hashtag on Instagram!

Sarah :)

Pretty in Pink - embrace the latest new decor trend this spring

Spring is in the air at last (although I'm writing this in the middle of a thundering downpour, because the weather hasn't received the memo yet) - and what better way to celebrate the new season than by adding a touch of pink to your home? It's a colour I'm seeing everywhere at the moment, in both homeware and fashion. Such a pretty, confident and positive colour, it speaks of fresh blooms and happiness, looking forward to the warmer days to come - no wonder it's becoming such a trend! 

Pink is the perfect way to add a pop of color and cheer to any room. Here are a few ideas for incorporating a splash of pink into your springtime decor:

Create a gallery wall: Choose a mix of pink artwork, from abstract prints to floral watercolors, and arrange them in a cohesive display on a blank wall. This is a great way to showcase your favorite pieces while adding interest to your space.

Add a statement piece: If you want to incorporate just one print, a personalised design will make a truly unique and personal artwork for your wall or shelf.

Mix and match: Don't be afraid to mix pink art with other colors and patterns in your decor. Don't just think of wall art and prints, consider introducing different materials and textures too. A gallery wall made up of traditional prints, wooden wall art, hangings and decorative pieces gives a delightful ecclectic feel. Pair a pink floral print with a striped throw pillow, or hang a pink abstract painting above a bold patterned sofa. The key for mixing pinks is to stick to the same shade family - whether it's salmons, cerises, blue-pinks, etc, they should all have the same level of warmth or coolness in order for them to work together.

Use pink as an accent: If you prefer a more neutral color palette, you can still incorporate the pink trend into your decor as an accent color. Choose a few pink accessories, such as a vase, mug or cushion, and scatter them throughout your space for a subtle touch of springtime cheer.

Don't forget the garden: Introduce a splash of pretty pink in the garden too, with some gorgeous handmade decorative pieces to bring some real individuality and charm to your outdoor space...

No matter how you choose to incorporate pink art into your home decor this spring, remember to have fun with it! Spring is a time for renewal and fresh beginnings, and your home decor should reflect that. So go ahead: embrace the pink, and enjoy the beauty of the new season.

Discover lots of gorgeous personalised pink homeware and wall art items on the PhotoFairytales site today - all handmade to order and with free UK delivery too!

Sarah :)

Top 5 Key Interior Trends for 2022

2021 is definitely the year that should be labelled “The one where the 90's came back” - the Friends Reunion made us all feel nostalgic for the good pre-covid times! Aviator glasses, bootleg jeans, and high-heeled shoes giving way to crocs (lockdown comfort!)

With the year drawing to an end in just a few week's time, I thought it would be fun to look forwards to 2022 and think about what will be happening in terms of interior and lifestyle trends. I subscribe to loads of interior blogs, trend reports and style commentators, so thought I'd put together a breakdown of where I think the directions are going. (If you don't know your Royalcore from your Cottagecore, read on..!)

I've created some special boards on Pinterest for you to illustrate each trend - so if you need some inspiration click here to take a look!

Maximalism & Opulence - The opulent look can go one of two ways: rich vibrant colour palettes, luxurious finishing touches, richness: think 'stately home' mixed with art nouveau decadence (upstairs at Gosford Park!) and a touch of 1970’s glamour - or alternatively there's the new 'Royal Core' style influenced by majesty, historic romanticism, ballrooms and French drawing rooms of the Belle Époque era (basically, think 'Bridgerton', either rich colour tones or muted pastels, Venetian mirrors and candelabras, and lots of gold and silver!) . It’s a style that's been around for a while (although I've been seeing more 1920's influences coming in recently, along with the flamboyant new royalcore style) but, I think because it's all about pushing away the grind of real life and having a bit of fun, escapism and luxury on a daily basis it's still a style trend that will continue to be popular for quite some time. 

Rustic Cottage - Soft colour palettes, gentle and homely, mixed patterns and prints, nostalgic and whimsical: think retro Laura Ashley from the 70's, mixing up floral and subtle stripe prints, handmade accessories, flowers, layers of warm white, creams, pinks, blues and greens. The Cottagecore aesthetic has been huge for the past year, mostly because it harks back to gentler, more familiar times, with the emphasis on tranquillity and a cosy, simple lifestyle - taking time to pour tea from a teapot, read a book, grow your own veg or bake... 

Japandi and the New Minimalism - Japandi is the fusion of Scandi and Japanese style, where east-meets-west: think relaxation, neutral colour palettes and natural materials: calm, nature, wellbeing - think open windows, work-life balance, plants and fresh air, visual quietness and space. The new minimalist style is one that focuses on lines, simplicity and space. It’s about clean lines, functionality, and clearing away the clutter so that you can live a more peaceful life. It isn’t about being clinical though - it can be soft and warm, but it must be simple and uncluttered. Include colours like pearl grey, sky blue, natural wood (light or dark), touches of black, pale chalky pink and white. Let key, favourite pieces of furniture or décor be your guide. If you've been a fan of the Scandi or Hygge style for a while now, it will be an easy leap to start incorporating Japandi into the scheme. Keep walls simple, perhaps picking out just one to be a focus in the room. Which leads me on to...

Feature Walls - they're back! The trend is for boldness, whether it's geometric, botanical prints, texture, colour, whatever - it's about impact! Keep the rest of the room simple however, so that the impact isn't lost or muddled. The beauty of this trend is that it's one of the easiest ways to make a big impact in a room relatively simply. Introducing one striking focal point in your room can have a really big effect on an otherwise simple (dare I say, boring?) room. We recently created a panelled wall in my daughter's room and the impact it has made to the room is incredible.

Solace and Calm - Soft, neutral colour palettes made up of complimentary creams, soft clay pinks, cool grey and beige, smoky soft brown, opaline green, and clear pale blues (eg, Dulux Colour of the Year, ‘Bright Skies’). Mixed with textures like limestone, plaster and stone, suede. If you want to introduce metallics keep them soft and oh-so-pale - nothing brash: think translucent, pearly sheen and lustre rather than shine. Have minimal use of pattern, let texture say it all. Organic shapes and curves, and just a hint of bohemian. Picture sitting on a rocking chair in front of a faded craggy plaster wall, watching the sun set over Arizona... there, you've got it!

Micro trends for 2022: 

• Matt Black - on the walls, or home accessories, this is a statement that will work fantastically with the maximalism or Japandi trends!
• Bright Yellow - uplifting and the complete opposite to matt black, it can be used as a simple accent, or to give a serious pop of quirkyness and attitude in a room, or given an elegance when mixed with grey or the matt black trend. Let the sun shine in! Look at Farrow & Ball’s Babouche No.223 for inspiration.
• Green - in all shades, from fresh barely-there shades, to deep velvety opulent greens. It’s the influence of nature, combined with the kick back from lockdowns and indoor living - and it will work in pretty much any setting or style.
• Polka Dots - expect to see spots and dots, small and large, everywhere...
• Bees - of all kinds, from monochromatic vintage style to fun pops of colour or metallics; the bee emblem is definitely hot at the moment and I think it'll still be around in 2022!
• Faux Greenery & Dried Plants - they've been around for ages and show no sign of leaving, although as we move into winter think about swapping out the leafy green faux plants for bundles of dried flowers, architectural dried grasses, and wall wreaths for a softer country look.  
• Textures & Metallics - mix textures to introduce a cosy feel to any room, combining wood and stone with softer knitted or velvet textures, and combine with metallic shades (bright and brash, or soft and aged)
• Sanctuary - a few years ago it was all about knocking down walls and open-plan living, but lockdown life has made many of us hanker for a little solitude and personal space. If we can't have a room of our own, we might want to create a private quiet oasis in a little corner of a room: think a comfy chair, a cosy throw or a beautiful cushion, a thoughtful piece of wall art and a carefully chosen lamp or piece of home decor that we love. Or if you don't have space indoors, create a little corner in the garden - complete with a wood burner or outdoor pizza oven, some candles, plenty of warm blankets - and maybe an outdoor bar! 
• Work from home - it’s obvious why this has become so important for millions of people over the last 2 years, and lockdowns have created their own take on life, with many of us reviewing the idea of commuting to a workplace and trying to juggle work and home, and instead opting for a flexible work environment if possible. This means there’s a need for a comfortable and functional work area - the space has to blend with your interior, not jar against it. Organisation and storage is key, along with natural light, comfort (vital from a health point of view), and accessories to make our work feel more inspired, joyful and fun.

And finally...

Gifting trends this Christmas:

This Christmas it's all about handcrafted - everything plastic and mass produced is out (which is just as well as it's probably stuck on a container ship anyway). This year it's all about thoughtful giving: think 'quirky, original, handmade' - but 'quality' too: this is about mindful gifting, with longevity and thoughtfulness in mind. Think creative and inspirational.

Christmas 2021 trends:

It's all about family this year - coming together (hopefully) in a way we couldn't last year. Conviviality, closeness, a sense of belonging and sharing. It's not about all-out partying (because we don't actually know yet how this Christmas is going to go), but it's about being together even if we can't be in the same room. Connections, family traditions, rituals. Decorations will either be all out maximalist (because at the end of the day, Christmas fits that particular trend perfectly!), or about calmness and nature (greenery and a simple colour palette). This year think about introducing creative and unique touches: decorating your tree with blossoms and leaves perhaps, for a botanical look rather than all out glitter. Consider starting a new tradition of buying a single special decoration for the tree each year, something that sums up the year and will evoke memories in future Christmases. Involve the children and make your own paper decorations, recycling card and paper, even newspaper. (Click here to see my special Pinterest board: Easy Christmas Makes)

Sarah x

Be inspired by... October

Ah, October - lovely, leaf changing, crisp morninged, shall we put the heating on yet, beware of witches, October...

Autumn is well and truly with us now - but before we get bogged down with the bossy Christmas season, let's revel a bit in the glory that this month brings!

I always think it's quite exciting when you wake up to the season's first frost - or even one of those crisp, foggy mornings. Our first day of October here in Norfolk is a tad dark and damp, but I'm holding out hope for a good frost snap soon (if only to discourage the spiders that seem to have taken over the house!). If you're struggling to enjoy the cold, dark mornings though - and you're pining for the warmth of past summer days - I think my brand new October inspiration board over on Pinterest will help you feel the joy for autumn! It's packed full of gorgeous images that should leave you feeling inspired and in love with this month:

With Halloween on the horizon it's tempting to go all out with the orange pumpkins, but this isn't necessarily the only way to bring a touch of autumn glow to your home this month. Why not look at more muted tones that echo the season: soft browns, warm taupe and neutral creams and greys, gentle sage greens and blues... When you start planning your Halloween decorations, think about perhaps grouping some mini pumpkins and gourds into a bowl, swap floral displays for simple and striking grasses, introduce some beautiful linen and natural wood elements into your home, light some candles for maximum cosiness in the evening too. It's a season for adding warmth, layers and texture.

Scandinavians actually think of this time of year as one of the very best seasons - they'll be marking Brittsommar on October 7th, a day to celebrate that late summer/early autumn warmth, and named after Saint Bridget of Sweden. In fact, as a nation the Danes burn more candles than any other - so why not emulate them? Make lighting a candle in the evening part of your daily routine - a candle is for any day, not just special occasions!

There are a few fun old folk-lore sayings based around the month of October, such as "Rain in October means wind in December", "When berries are many in October, beware a hard winter", and the very charming, "If ducks do slide at Hallowtide, at Christmas they will swim; if ducks do swim at Hallowtide, at Christmas they will slide."

The word 'October' comes from the word 'octo', meaning eight, and dates back to the ancient Roman calendar. It's a month which the Saxons called Wyn Monath... or Wine Month, which sounds a very reasonable way of cosying down for the chilly nights!

Whenever you head outside this month remember to take your phone with you so that you can take some snaps to capture the beauty of the changing seasons: the golden leaves, the early frosts, the low sun - even the beauty of a steel grey sky and that beautiful soft light that it brings.

Now is the time to bring the warmth and sun indoors: take a moment, pause, light some candles, and... relax.

Sarah x

Be inspired by... September

September is a strange, transitional month - we notice that evenings are getting darker sooner, and even though the sun still feels warm there can be a little shiver in the air every now and then... I love the months that bring a change in the seasons, and September is the gateway between summer and autumn.

I've created a special Pinterest board for you, full of stunning images inspired by September - they're sure to get you in the mood for welcoming in this glorious new month, and I know they'll leave you feeling totally excited about the changing season. Click the image below to view the September board, or click here - and while you're there, don't forget to follow my account of course!

Whilst you may not be ready yet to pack away the shorts and garden chairs, and you still hold out hope for a last minute barbecue in the sunshine, it's quite exciting to think of the chilly days ahead (or is that just me?). No more being hot and flustered, now you get to wear that favourite jumper, treat yourself to a hot chocolate without people looking at you strangely, and wonder if the central heating is going to work after all these months being switched off... actually, that reminds me I need to book in the annual boiler checkup... where was I? Oh yes, waxing lyrical about the coming autumn!

And to be fair, I think lots of us enjoy autumn a lot - even the sun worshippers! (And we may even be lucky enough to experience one of those autumn sunshine weeks - the Indian Summer - when the weather is warm and the leaves on the trees are showing their golden colours in all their glory.)

It's a time to start bringing those cosy autumnal colours into your home too - swap flowers with dried grasses and flowers, pop a cosy new cushion on the sofa, treat yourself to a new print for the wall to introduce a fresh touch to a room... little touches that mark the beginning of an exciting new season. Create a little hygge corner in your home and welcome in the season in all its glory. 

Take inspiration from the low setting sun, enjoy the shadows cast over the garden, relax and find the calm and comfort in your home: it's been a refuge for many of this over the past few months and now is the time to enjoy the shelter it gave us and be thankful for the coming new season.

Why not make the most of the last of the summer sun and head out this weekend to explore? Go for a walk at a time of day you wouldn't normally think of: first thing in the morning before anyone else is awake, or just as dusk is settling in (it's a great time of the day to glimpse into people's windows as you walk past by the way... just saying...). Start remembering all those cosy meals you only cook in the colder weather: no one really fancies a salad in the autumn, so start planning some cosy stews, tasty homemade soups, and gorgeous roast dinners! 

So, release that inner child and when the leaves do finally fall of the trees head out and give them a good kick - go on, you know you want to!

Happy autumn,
Sarah :)